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What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?

I am amazed at what we Christians think “the Bible says…” about various subjects!

I recently had a kid tell me that, “the bible says that tattoos are a sin”. Of course this was something that his parents had told him.

So, what does the Bible say about tattoos?

Leviticus 19:23-28 23 “When you enter the land and plant fruit trees, leave the fruit unharvested for the first three years and consider it forbidden.[f] Do not eat it. 24 In the fourth year the entire crop must be consecrated to the Lord as a celebration of praise. 25 Finally, in the fifth year you may eat the fruit. If you follow this pattern, your harvest will increase. I am the Lord your God. 26 “Do not eat meat that has not been drained of its blood. “Do not practice fortune-telling or witchcraft. 27 “Do not trim off the hair on your temples or trim your beards. 28 “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord.

In this passage God is speaking to his covenant people Israel. He is specifically telling them to stay far from the religious practices of the surrounding people groups. The prohibited religious practices in these verses include eating bloody meat, fortune telling, certain hair cuts related to the priests of false cults, cutting or marking the body for dead relatives, cultic prostitution and consulting psychics. All these practices would lead God’s beloved people away from Him and toward false gods that were not Gods at all. In the midst of this context we find the word translated “tattoo marks” in verse 28. It is important to note here that the context of this passage is not one of body décor but one of marking one’s self in connection with cultic religious worship. Check out what Bible commentaries tell us much about the eastern religious practices that God was warning His people to shun.

The practice of making deep gashes on the face and arms and legs, in time of bereavement, was universal among the heathen, and it was deemed a becoming mark of respect for the dead, as well as a sort of propitiatory offering to the deities who presided over death and the grave. The Jews learned this custom in Egypt, and though weaned from it, relapsed in a later and degenerate age into this old superstition (Is 15:2; Je 16:6; 41:5). “nor print any marks upon you” (v:28 )—by tattooing, imprinting figures of flowers, leaves, stars, and other fanciful devices on various parts of their person. The impression was made sometimes by means of a hot iron, sometimes by ink or paint, as is done by the Arab females of the present day and the different castes of the Hindus. It it probable that a strong propensity to adopt such marks in honor of some idol gave occasion to the prohibition in this verse; and they were wisely forbidden. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., Fausset, A. R., Brown, D., & Brown, D. (1997). A commentary, critical and explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments. On spine: Critical and explanatory commentary. (Le 19:28). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

“Make any cuttings in your flesh” (v:28): the reference here is to the practice of making deep gashes in the skin while mourning the death of a relative. This was done to provide life blood for the spirit of the dead person rather than to express sorrow. On account of the dead: as indicated above, this describes the purpose of all the actions in verse 27 as well as verse 28. Péter-Contesse, R., & Ellington. (1992). A handbook on Leviticus. UBS handbooks; Helps for translating (Page 296). New York: United Bible Societies.

The “tattoo” marks described in Leviticus 19:28 were clearly related to false religious practices. The word translated tattoo in our English Bibles is the Hebrew word “qa aqa”, this word appears only one time in the Bible, here in this passage Leviticus. The word “qa aqa” means literally “to cut” but taken with the surrounding words indicates a cutting that left a mark imprinted in the skin. This could have been a form of branding, scarring, cutting or a process where ink was inlaid into the skin; there is not enough data to fully define exactly what this word meant. However we translate the word “qa aqa” though, in this passage, it is certainly used in the context of cultic religious worship. The prohibition against “qa aqa”, (translated tattoo) was to keep the Israelites from being involved or affiliated with cultic worship practices. Plus, I get the sense that it is referring putting the tattoo on yourself… so just make sure you have someone do it for you. (ha, just a little joke there!)

Anyway, the tattoo of today is much different than it was for those who originally received the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the bible). Today tattoos are a decorative means of self expression and personal decoration. In our current culture people modify their appearance for beauty in many ways such as clothing choice, makeup, plastic surgery, haircutting and coloring, weight loss, body-building, and ear piercing. Some of these practices have a history in ancient ritual and false religion, but in our cultural context they do not denote a connection with evil or false faith. In the same way tattoos today do not link the wearer to cultic worship practices and is not generally practiced for ancient religious purposes, tattoos today are for ornamentation.

Yet another reason to believe Christians are free to tattoo their bodies is that New Testament believers are not bound by the Old Testament laws to gain or regain right relationship with God. If we were to obey the laws of the Old Testament we would also be bound by rules that would restrict shellfish and pork eating, hairstyles, wearing of clothes made from two different fabrics, even eating cheese on hamburgers (yes, it is true). Some also feel that modifying the body somehow defiles God’s creation, but if this was true would it be right to pierce ears, correct a club foot, cut hair, clip nails, get a tan or use orthodontia? Each of the previously mentioned practices modifies the way we were originally created, some permanently. Getting a tattoo is a deeply personal choice that falls in the category of personal appearance and is vitally connected to the freedom of the believer. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Old Testament Law was designed by God was to lead people toward Jesus. Now that Jesus has come and set us free, we are not under the law for our good standing with God. Our right standing before God comes from placing our trust in Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for our debts, not on following the Old Testament regulations.

Galatians 3:24–25 24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.— NAS

As New Testament followers of Jesus we are not under restriction in the area of personal décor.
Tattoo of today can describe images that merely please the wearer, or have deeper meaning to the owner. Many Christians today are tattooing themselves not in tribute to a false idol or anti-Christian deity, but with love for the one true God and Creator. Many today utilize this permanent marking a way of giving glory to God. Some find that Christian tattoos attract questions about faith and provide opportunities to give God glory by allowing the story-telling of His Love to those who aren’t convinced yet.

Tattoo is a significant life-choice and should be only entered into with a great deal of forethought. Some questions to ask yourself if you are young and considering a tattoo are:

Am I legally of an age to get a tattoo?

If I live with my parents, would my parents support my decision?

Would I be defying the authority God gave my parents over me at my current age?

Would I still want this particular image when I get older?

What if my future mate wouldn’t like having to see this image for a lifetime?

Would this tattoo be in an area of my body that would be plainly visible? – Many people do unfairly judge people with tattoos as being “second-class.”

Would this image bring God glory?

Do I feel fully convinced that tattoos are allowable for Christians?

Tattoo is not for everyone, and is certainly not for a Christian who feels unconvinced that getting a tattoo is completely Biblical. In this and many areas of the Christian life there are many truly excellent believers who have varying degrees of agreement and disagreement about Christians with tattoos. In whatever you believe about this issue I hope that you will leave gracious space for others who might feel differently.

223 thoughts on “What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?”

I strongly disagree about tattoos and some of the old testament laws were dietary to what’s good and bad for the body, and your body did not change after the new testament came in. Pork has never been good for you, pigs are scavengers and do not have sweat glands so therefore allot of poison stays on the inside of the pig, and scavengers are not made to eat, but God created scavengers to clean the earth, just like buzzards. My question is, do you eat buzzards. We live in a world where we have made things normal that are not normal, we have made right wrong and wrong right. It’s never good to cut yourself, for this body is not yours it is the temple of the holy spirit. Until we come to understand that we give our lives to God we are new creatures in Christ, and we are beautifully and wonderfully made so why are we adding to what is already good,

Your issue with pigs is mistaken. In the new Testament Peter was shown in a vision by God that he could eat whatever he wished. The cloth came down and a voice said, kill and eat. Peter said no, that these were unclean foods, and again the cloth came down, and God said, kill and eat.

Because we have better cooking practices today and far more sanitary conditions for preparing food, and because of the fulfillment of the Law by jesus, we are allowed to eat pork, shell fish and even vultures if we could find a way to make them taste good. Pigs also find and eat some of the most expensive and delicious mushrooms on the planet. Should we not eat those mushrooms anymore because pigs like them??

As for tattoos, a decoration in good taste is a good thing in my opinion. If we aren’t supposed to decorate the temple, someone needs to go explain that to the important guy that hangs out in the Sistine Chapel.

Peter’s vision of clean and unclean meat was, like any other vision, meaning something else. You’ll notice that it never says that Peter ever actually ate the unclean meat. God wanted Peter to understand that what the Jews felt was unclean wasn’t. Specifically the Gentiles. Read Acts 11, where he explains his vision and his actions. “Do not call anything impure that God has called clean”. Talking about people, not pigs.

the biblical prohibition against pork is because the pig was used for ritual sacrifice to pagan gods. In those time animal husbandry and food processing standards were none existant. i think tattoos are foolish. there doesnt seem to be a specific commandment against that.

The law for not eating unclean animals was not just because pigs were used for sacrifice. The differences between clean and unclean were found in Gen. when Noah was given instructions. Most people think he brought 2 of each animal. not true. He brought 2 of each unclean animal and 7 of each clean animal. And after the flood he was given instructions about what he should eat. In Exodus, seperate from the other rules, specific traits were given to clean and unclean animals. It wasn’t talking about just pigs because they were used for sacrifice, but all unclean animals.

If there are really people out there who get a tattoo, or any other modification, marking, etc. to their body for the sincere motive and purpose of bringing Glory to God, I would love to meet them.
Some people need such procedures for legitimate reasons, but vanity, self-mutilations, revenge, etc. are not legit.
I have talked to many people (mostly women but men are getting in on the act now as well) who had some kind of surgery, marking, etc. perm and temp, and their motive was far from Glory to God. The medical profession will love them for it later – provided they have insurance to cover all their medical problems.
Isaiah 1 – 10 presents a pretty good idea about where all this nonsense is taking us – especially women – I pray you think long and hard about what you are doing to God’s Temple. Just saying

I’m considering getting a tattoo because of the spiritual warefare I experience everyday in my job. I am a public school teacher in the city of Chicago and there are days that feel impossible and I want to scream “WHY AM I DOING THIS?!” And for me, I NEED a constant reminder that I can see. To remind myself I am PRAISING God with my words thoughts and actions. I have to remeber that it’s not about me. I HAVE to remember that or sometimes I don’t know if I could get through the day. So my motivation is the continual reminder and renewal of my mind when I am unable to get to my Bible during the day. A reminder that I am to talking honorably to my students, even when they are rolling around on the floor, making sexual noises while I’m teaching, or refusing to listen. As well as in the teachers lounge with my fellow teachers are complaining. It is motivated by devotion and a desire to stay the path God has set my feet upon.

I Strongly think Tattoos are a sin and I am a 16 year old girl, Christian who believes in Jesus Christ . I am a little upset with the way people pick and chose what they want to believe out of the bible to make it fit there ways of living to make things seem good, to make them not feel guilty . Tattoos are a sin Period.

If she stopped at “I strongly think tattoos are a sin”, Jawga, then I would agree with you. But she goes to convict others, and say it is a sin “period” so some scriptural basis ans sources would be nice so we can see where she is coming from. Someone with tattoos could see that and feel convicted and defeated after reading that, since it is not simply her opinion.

Those of you asking for biblical references didn’t read the article… they’re in there! The writer wants to “interpret” to popular practice while stating that it’s about “self-expression”. We’re to put our “selves” away. (period)

Another response asks why Christians are so unhappy and angry. While I can’t speak for everyone, I’m both upset and unhappy about how our government and populace seems to constantly deny the Christian faith as valid and paint us as “haters”. Christians are to hate the sin but love the sinner, since we all qualify as such.

Finally, I say that we don’t get it our way… myself included. I suppose that I’m like a doctor or a lawyer… a “practicing” Christian! I do try to recognize and admit to my own failings (which are plentiful) and do better every day. Do I have a problem with some of what I read in the Bible? Yes, I do, but I’m still seeking understanding and am trying to have an open mind. Tattoos are a pretty-darned permanent decision and I’d think someone would want to be very, very sure before the took a mark of any kind.

Every Christian is stronger in one sense of their faith and weaker in another. The important thing to remember is that everyone’s walk with God is different. Technically, everything that is not of God is a sin, which everyone alive is guilty of. Just bear in mind that all relations to tattoos are in the old testament, which we are not bound by. I hope that you are understanding of those with tattoos, regardless of your views on them. The bible asks us to love all!

So, because the old testament talks about tattoos and not the new testament, it makes it correct? mmmmm, no wonder many do not give God what belongs to God, they claim its on the old testament… I wonder if the people that put this article believe in giving God what belongs to God? and if they do… what is their scripture basis?

Bekah, I am also a young Christian (18) however to me it just sounds like you are repeating what your parents or adult leaders have told you. Do you have any reason specifically that makes you believe tattoos are sinful besides your personal ideology? This verse has nothing with “picking and choosing.” For example if you agree with the statement that tattoos are sinful based on this scripture you must also agree with the rest of the scripture that cutting your temple hair or beard is a sin. To me that does not seem the case. I do not believe my father is sinful for cutting his beard. That is because you have to look at the context of the verse. Do I personally believe tattoos are wrong? No. Simply because the context of this verse it talking about getting marks in direct worship of a pagan religion. So according to this scripture Christians still should not get cultic or other religious tattoos, but a tattoo with a Christian purpose or meaning is in no way a violation of the scripture in discussion.

from the scripture written on this page absolutely not by me,although i have a tattoo on my skin i would say it is ungodly to wear a tattoo.I think its time we stop interpreting the bible to fit our wrong doing.If the bible says don’t put mark,then i think mark is mark whether i egypt, or botswana

I am covered in tattoos and have been told several times throughout my life tattoos were a sin I once had an old man in church when I had gotten my first tattoo come to me and say, “Jesse why do you sin against God that way with tattoos and ear piercings.” I simply replied, “well sir first off I have been told my whole life by family whatever you do do it to the glory of God so wouldn’t this mean even if I am sinning do it to the glory of God,” as I turned my arm over to show him a tattoo on my left forearm that is a cross with the the words, “The Passion” going down the sides of the cross in which I then said, ” as far as the earings go you need to speak with your wife before you speak to me.” Point is we all sin so if sinners are going to sin then thats what is going to happen I am judged several times a day because of my tattoos and peircings and everyone who judges me I simply tell them I will pray for them because only God can judge who is good and who is evil not anyone human on this earth God knew we were going to tattoo our bodies before we even do it and I am sure he loves us just the same and he gave us the free will to do so and as far as everyone taking the scripture and piecing it out and making it suitable for them yes I do the same thing I look at scripture in a logical sense and give me one scriptuer that says a preacher is always right my teacher is the Lord my God not preachers yes I do listen to what preachers say I travel quite a bit and I have gone to a few churches one preacher says one thing in this church and another says another thing in that church so how do I know who is right or wrong I take my learnings from the bible straight from the bible not from the mouth of man I am not saying preachers are wrong about everything as a matter of fact preachers are usually right about a lot of scripture but we all have our different views and we should all take the bible for what it says not for what our parents say or a preacher says it means and this scripture does not say it is a sin to have tattoos it just says don’t do it does not mean God is going to cast us into Hell just like God told Adam and Eve don’t eat the apple but he gave us the free will to do what we want and to take things the way we can easily understand them without having to take the word of someone else so everyone has there opinion and they are entitled to it God Bless

Bestiality is forbidden in the Old Testament but not mentioned in the New Testament, just like tattoos. So I’m guessing bestiality would be permissible by God under the New Testament since it does not mention it, like tattoos?

If the Bible clearly says that they are not a sin, why would you continue to believe they are? Paul (of the Bible) says that the ceremonial laws in the Old Testament no longer apply to us as a people. Paul does say that the moral law does still apply, but as anyone can see, the Bible says nothing in its moral law that tattoos are a sin. I would like to add that I am not attempting to be disrespectful to your beliefs if you continue to believe tattoos are sinful.

Yet another reason to believe Christians are free to tattoo their bodies is that New Testament believers are not bound by the Old Testament laws to gain or regain right relationship with God. If we were to obey the laws of the Old Testament we would also be bound by rules that would restrict shellfish and pork eating, hairstyles, wearing of clothes made from two different fabrics, even eating cheese on hamburgers (yes, it is true).

In response to what B-Rian stated,I feel as though people like you who take scriptures or portions of the bible to such extremes do God a huge disservice (not to speak for God the all knowing) almost as if you believe your doing some sort of Holy policing. The last time I checked, not a being on earth was given the title of Holy Judge…I believe that each person path with God is their own…to stumble and to get back up and keep going through that same cycle to make things better with their relationship with God. I hate that people would spend the energy used on putting down a “sinner” (which we all are) rather than using that same energy to help, understand, uplift the sinner and praise God. I feel its too much debate that goes about with the Bible that takes focus off the Big Guy. I don’t know what denomination you are of but I respect it, however but I was taught and know that we are all sinners, that really no sin scale…like so: you cut your hair, eat certain things,etc…you’re sinning. There is no scale that says mine is more or less than yours. People shouldn’t use the bible scriptures to justify or condemn period. Its wrong and to me in a sense its a sin and evil with in itself to do so. Nobody can speak for God but him…what you take from the bible is what is written in your walk with God as well as what I take from the Lord is apart of mine.

**Side note: I wont mention what religion i am apart of…but I will say that there are some evil people out there in the disguise of Christians. I am very strict when it comes to using bible verses to condemn ppl or excuse them. One experience of mine was that when I was younger I was put down by a guy who took a bible and showed me select scriptures that he used to convince me that just because I was African American (black) that I was meant for slavery and that just because I was black I was a sinner and would face Hell. And that was just as a child. People are quick to say the Bible says this and that but forget faith and what spiritually the Bible says to an individual and that upsets me because so many paths of ppl who may have a strong connection with God may be lost or given up on all because what some “True Christian” says is the literal word of God. Its not right.

So all that being said. OT or NT followed…if you believe tattoos are a sin, by all means don’t get one. I mean why be all up and arms with something that doesn’t apply to your walk and your faith as an individual. If you are one of those that don’t see it as a sin…you just dont. But don’t dare take the words of God and flip them or even use them as though your in a court case. Its just not right.

Bekah you are correct. Even though false Christians try and use the “context,” theory to ease their conscience about marking their bodies, the truth is that the body is the temple of God made in his image. To mark the body is to change it, pollute the skin, and essentially tag it as being under the power of the world and the traditions of pagan cultures, marked forever unnaturally no matter how “pretty,” the owner thinks it is. For our bodies are God’s and the verse in the old testament is clear. Tattoos are a false god, idolatry. Also they are a terrible witness to others. Also I Thess. 5:22, Romans 14 in verse 13

im so glad u posted this coz im a youht leader in south africa and i tell the young people this but its been drilled in to them that its a sin and some fear they have sinned since they have 1, but uits so cool that i can refer to an outsider who can explain to them plus the internet holds some really weird opinions about the ible and imso glad uve put some truth out there1
thanx
yours truly
angelique^-^

WOW! Sorry friend but God expects us to judge. Yup, you read that right! You are really taking things out of context. (Psa. 37:30) A righteous person will talk of judgment. Or, “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.” (Amos 5:14-15) . something to consider 😉

stop making up sins……. seriously look at yourself – its the 21st century and we have the knowledge and means to correctly interpret and understand the bible and its teachings and as many people here have said – tattoos are not a sin!

if you simply don’t like them, then do not get one, but don’t mislead people and try and convince them that tattoos are a sin when you are clearly sinning in your own terms (a sin to mislead people about the bible)

The Bible doesn’t say not to eat cheese on hamburgers, it says not to boil a young goat in its mother’s milk. The rule against mixing of meat and dairy is a “tradition of man” as the Master would say, and not God’s Eternal Word, as include all the words of the Bible.

Something to consider is that this industry is not regulated and some of the ingredients cause cancer and are toxic. I am a believer in the Word of God and I am sure that he wants us to be as healthy as possible. Choose Life!

I got a tattoo of a cross with moth wings, with eyes in it. For me it was a symbolism of what Matt. 5:8 says. I got into a pretty big fight about it with my husband because he said it was wrong, but then he looked at what you said and changed his mind. I am so glad that we don’t argue about it anymore! I also find it fasinating as I was doing some research that Jesus in Rev. 19:20 has King of Kings, and Lord of Lords written on his robe and thigh. I think that means its permanent.

hey thanks for the posts above, very interesting reading and cleared up any doubts i had.
I am a born again Chrisitan and i am thinking about getting a tattoo, many people said this was hypocritcal and i never had the evidence to prove them wrong…now i do:)
I was thinking about getting ‘Jesus Wept’ in small lettering just above my wrist. However i am doing alot of thinking of find something that would be suitable. Does anyone know of anyone with a verse (i think i would prefer that, than compared to say a cross of thorns etc)
any help would be greatly appreciated

I have a Lion of Judah on my right forearm with Hosea 6:1 under it, Tree of Life on the back of my shoulder with Psalms 16:11 under it, the Archangel Michael on the side of my left calf, a dandilion seed head blowing in the wind turning to stars with “Covenant” written along the stem (referring to God’s promise to Abraham), and the word Life on my left forearm written in my dad’s handwriting (reminding me to choose life. He was murdered for protesting against abortion in 2009).

Ally,
I am going to soon get “James 1:2” either on my foot or ankle. I have dealt with a lot of physical diseases in my short 24 years of life and that verse has always helped me keep my focus! Just some insite for ya!

I’m not prepared to call tattoos a sin – but I’m also not prepared to suggest that Christ’s lettering in Revelation is a tattoo either – scripture simply says it’s written there.
I would caution young people to carefully consider WHY they are getting a tattoo. I know it’s a fad and trendy, but we must guard our effectiveness as a witness. Christ commands us not to fall in love with the world or the things of the world, and sometimes our ‘need’ to fit in will cause us to make choices for the wrong reasons.
Self-expression is fine – but if you are only able to express yourself by marking your skin or in your outward appearance – then your expression is pretty shallow to begin with. Yes – I think the same thing for those who think wearing a Christian t-shirt is their act of “witnessing”
Again – I’m not calling it a sin – I’m just urging you to be careful about a decision that is usually permanent.

I wear christian t-shirts…Funny if we look at some of the hats and clothes we wear that say sports teams..drinks..so called famos people.. and you name it ,we wear it….so i truly love my saviour and i wear hats and shirts that speak about him!!…walk the walk and talk the talk..judgeing how shallow things some people do are ..well..one can get babtized in shallow as well as deep water..and i do agree about be careful..be careful of your personal disaproval of how other folks ..so called witness..or express there love of our lord and saviour,,now go put that football hat or jersey on and rout for your team…(smile)

You know, sometimes tattoos add to the effectiveness as a witness. I live in a fairly rough town in central California. Kids go through a lot at a young age, and many of them get involved with the wrong crowd. A lot of times, in that position, a Christian has managed to offend them in one way or another. From what I have seen, Christians with tattoos have been the mark that saved souls. They can relate, and it ultimately leads them to Christ.

Thank you.I have felt strongly about getting a verse Jer 29.11 on my wrist. My mum passed away and that is the promise that has caused my being to keep standing. I wanted something to continuosly remind me of that .

I was just looking up the word “vesture” as said in Rev. 19:16 and it is described as a cloak or garment. So, could it just mean that it was written on his garmet that covers his thigh, not actually on his thigh?
I am just trying to figure out exactly how I feel about tattoos. I have one that I got when I was 18 and am now regretting it because I am scared of it’s consequences. It says in the Bible that any man who marks his body will be destroyed….

I don’t think that Christians should get tattoos and I do believe that the Bible speaks about it indirectly. When God first created human beings he called it good and we were created in his beautiful image. Why would we want to change what he created? Also, the Bible talks about how our bodies are temples of God. Putting tattoos on yourself is like putting graffitti on God’s temple. The Bible also speaks about modesty in the New Testament so as not to draw attention to ourselves. Don’t tattoos and piercings draw attention to ourselves? Tattooing has it’s roots in witchcraft, as stated in the Bible, so why would we partake in an act that has roots in witchcraft? The Bible says that in every action we take we should do it to glorify God, so you have to ask yourself if you’re really glorifying God by marking up the beautiful body that he created for you.

I am legally blind, with a Strabismus and Nystagmus. In other words, I have a lazy eye and my eyes bounce around back and forth in the sockets. Am I wrong for having corrective surgery and changing God’s creation?

I also don’t think Christians should be allowed to vote…..because the majority of Christians will only vote for a Republican candidate or one that claims to be a Christian, and not based on the candidates track record or qualifications…that is my personal opinion however.

Timmy gave scriptures to back his stance on the subject.

If you can state scripture for your stance it will make your argument much stronger.

Liz,
You wrote that God made us in His beautiful image, and we should not change what he created. Why does no one confront the 50 year-old women who dye their hair? It is not modest. It dyes their scalp for a day or two which violates the King James translation of Leviticus 19:28 which says not to “…print any marks upon you”. Furthermore, why are we allowing the same women to wear makeup and nail polish if they are to be modest?
I am not writing this merely to criticize and argue, but merely to point out that we as a Christian body tend to only stand in the face of those who are different. I have yet to hear of a grass roots movement to make junkfood illegal because it violates the word of God in 1 Corinthians 6:19. Is it hypocritical to point out a tattoo on someone at church and tell them it is a sin, but not point out the overweight attendees as well?
God bless all of you who feel that tattoos are wrong. You have a right to your opinion, but I beg that you examine if your strong convictions are based on what the Bible has to say or if it is based on social pressure to conform.

After the birth of our first child I wanted to show my husband that I loved him. I was also going through a phase where I didn’t feel attractive. I decided to get a small heart tattooed on my hip with my husband’s initials in it. He is the only one that can see. No one knows I have a tattoo unless I tell them. I have only told a few people I have it and they are always so surprised because I am modest, not real outgoing, mother of 3. I wanted this to show my husband that I will always love him, even when I can’t physically show him. There are Christians that have tattoos and there are people that got theirs before they became a Christian. One of the saddest things I’ve ever heard was an older Christian gentleman making a comment about a young guy that had tatts all over him. I simply made a comment back that maybe no one had ever told the young man about Jesus and that he had died for him too. I will tell you that my dad has tattoos and he has gone to jails before to witness. He told me that he was told there were certain inmates who would not talk to him. He was actually able to talk to them was because of his tattoos. They wanted to talk to someone ‘like them’. My dad’s tattoos are not gaudy, but they were enough to open the door. For the people who are talking about our bodies being temples, yes, they are but how many of you put caffeine (which is addictive), bacon and other fatty meats (which clog arteries), etc into your temple today? Would you be like the Pharisees and forbid Jesus to do miracles on the Sabbath? Most people are not tolerant of Christians because of legalistic religiosity. I admit I am not very tolerant of those Christians myself.

All of my life I have been taught that the commandments of Noah and Moses in the Old Testament are for our learning. I have been taught that the coming of Christ, in particular, his death for our sins, freed us from the law. I was taught that we live in the administration or dispensation of Grace now, and once we confess Christ, as long as we ask for forgiveness for our sins and we are truly repentant in our hearts, then, we are covered by the Blood of Jesus.
As for the current topic… There are many different schools of thought on whether its right or wrong for a Christian to get a tattoo. The truth is, we were all given free will choice. The decision is the individual’s. Personally, I like tattoos. I’ve wanted one for years, but because God stated ONCE in His Word that he didn’t want it done, I won’t get one. That is MY choice. I do not care about why He said don’t do it. I only care that He did. Besides, I haven’t seen anywhere in the NT where He changed His mind! Yes! Paul said we were freed from the law, but that doesn’t mean we are free to go out there and sin at will and justify it with random passages and verses of scripture. That’s called private interpretation and God said not to do that too. My ultimate question to myself was, who do I want to please more? Who is it that I worship? Who is it that I serve? God, or me? To me, there is no question of whether its a sin or not. If God told them not to do that, then it was a sin then, and its still a sin now. I am by no means perfect or sin free! I just believe, that its up to us as Christians to decide whether the consequences are those we don’t mind dealing with. Tattooing could result in sickness, disease, or even death. If that’s the risk you want to take, then God bless you and be with you!

I actually disagree with you premise. For one thing, there is no indication in the Bible that this law no longer applies (nor the opposite). Also, the tattoo is still used now as a pagan religious practice among Hindus (as you pointed out), certain island nations (like Samoa), etc. so why does it no longer apply? Now 1 Cor 6:19 is specifically referring to sexual sin, but I noticed one thing. It refers to sexual immorality as a sin in/against the body. Tattooing involves placing a foreign substance in the body and so can be seen the same way. It’s not much different from placing a Baal statue in Solomon’s Temple which is foreign to the temple. Just as a prostitute is often referred to as a foreign (or “strange”) woman. Another thing, There is the command against worrying about outer adornament (Mat 6:31; 1 Pet 3:3). Tattooing is a form of adornment and is quite often a source of pride (even for a Christian with one). It can become an idol. It can even be a form of false spirituality (“I feel closer to Jesus with this tattoo”). I got curious about why there is no mention of tattoos in the New Testament. So I looked up tattoos and their relation to the Roman Empire. The Romans were against tattooing. T

Excuse me. I’m typing on a laptop and it is hard to miss the touch pad while typing. Anyway, They considered tattooing as that of the barbarians (Egyptians, Skandinavians, etc.). So there was no reason to speak against tattooing because the Romans and Jews were in agreement on that. I noticed another thing. There is a sin that is only mentioned once in the New Testament and only when it was committed by someone in the church (1 Cor 5:1). It is referred to as a sin “that is not tolerated even among pagans.” The sin is incest with one’s step-mother. Many people today would only associate incest as with blood relatives, but the Bible includes “step” relatives (Lev 18:8). I read through the entire bible every year and have not yet found any other verse in the New Testament that speaks of this sin. That is because it was a sin “that is not tolerated even among pagans.” So one would not often see it committed just as one would not often see tattooing done in that culture. I doubt that I have convinced you of this, but I hope you would consider looking alittle deeper into this. God Bless.

Thank you so much I love the way the subject of tattoos was presented. I have been pondering this subject and researching it. I have 2 and would like to get one of a cross and a rainbow. I am a Christian and an artist, I consider tattoos as just that art. I love the Lord. Tattoos are not idols to me, and I do also eat my meat rare.
Praise Jesus for the New Testament

I’ve read all of these posts and have done my own research on tatooing. I struggle with many of the comments. I’m in a different position then most of you. My husband and I pastor a church. As Pastors, we took a stand on tatoos regarding our leadership (elders, pastors, deacons). We asked that once they decided to become a leader within our fellowship we ask that they not get any new tatoos as long as they were under our leadership. Five years ago we received no objections. Just to clarify, it wasn’t just tatooing, there was also body piercing except for ears as well as smoking, drinking and other actions that we felt would not benefit the body of Christ and could cause a young believer to stumble. Now this subject has come up again and with a vengence. I caution all of you who are embrassing this controversal subject to understand that as Pastors we are accountable to God for how we lead, teach and direct. I would rather lead people as far away from the cliff (sin) then to see how close we can get and not fall over. Is it a question of right or wrong? Maybe, but how about a question of stay as far away from the world and love Jesus so that our light may shine. It also says to be “separate from the world”.

I have lots of friends who have tatoos. They got them when they were in the world and some got them when they were saved. Isn’t it odd how a subject like this can be such a division to God’s people. To me that is a clue.

There are lots of commands from the old testament that are not mentioned in the new testaments that we as a society still follow. I personally think this is one we should honor.

It also says in the bible that women are not to pastor to men, that hey are to be silent in church. But in taking the whole verse in context, along with others on the subject, then this too can become a big deal. My church teaches women cant preach, but after reading into it i am unsure. Other topics that can and do get heated is the topic of drinking. Is one glass of wine a sin? What about those churches that have the Lords supper with real wine? Do you cut your hair, does your husband cut his beard? Do you wear make up, hair color, colored contacts, perfume? Things can go to extremes, were they meant to go this far? What woman would’nt shave her pits and legs? This all is in the Bible somewhere, the whole thing has to be read, and no one person will completely understand everything in it or what He has planned for us. We are not meant too. This is a guidline for our lives. God and God alone will be the one to help us understand His rules. Preachers and pastors are here tohelp us along the way, but it is really all Him.

Dana,
I want to preface my comment with this: You are entitled to lead any way that you want to lead and you should do what your conscience dictates. Having said that, your idea of leading people as far away from the cliff is exactly the reason the Pharisee created extra rules that weren’t in the Bible. The stumbling issue is also an interesting expression. What is the tatoo causing them to stumble? If the tattoo is a heart, or a cross or something else, how else is the tattoo causing someone to stumble. What sin is it causing them to commit? I agree that the divisive factor is interesting, yet it is you and your husband who are in essense being divisive by adding rules to Scripture for your elders. You are in effect, drawing a line that the Bible does not draw.
I realize my words may make you angry, if that is the case I want to apologize.

Wow, adding rules to scripture. Is that what it means to truly want to follow God’s word and not embrase the world and its ideas. I’ve never posted on a website before and I now know why. I’m assuming you are not a pastor or called to pastor.

I think I’ll just stick with what God says. And you are right. I will stand before God and account for every word that I preach. That is what the Bible says about those called as Pastors.

Dana, Dana, Dana,
Relax. I was disagreeing with you. I am an ordained minister and have been a pastor in the past. Perhaps, thicker skin is in order? No I am not currently a pastor in vocational ministry if that is what you are asking. Yes, I believe you are adding to Scripture by your rules. No where is there a rule in found in the NT about elders having tatoos. Now, you are entitled to your conviction and you can have your rules based on your convictions but let us be honest with each other and state that is all that it is; a conviction.

Your implication that people who don’t want to follow your conviction don’t actually want to follow God’s word is disturbing. Simply because we don’t agree with you in this area doesn’t mean that we are embracing the world. That’s not dialogue, that’s character assassination. I hope and pray you don’t attack those whom you are called to shepherd and serve when they disagree with you as you have here.
Grace and Peace

Well…
There’s a lot of good pros and cons throughout all of these responses and they all make you think. I do not specifically like one more than the other but look at all of the responses in an objective fashion. In regards to Ashley’s response about Romans 14, I read it and within my study bible in regards to verse 1 – accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.
Now, there are and always will be disputable matters between all those who are Christians and follow God. Especially when there is a little evidence, both pro and con, for whatever matter Christians are arguing on. Anyway, the study bible I have makes it a point to explain that first verse by saying “Fellowship among Christians is not to be based on everyone’s agreement on disputable questions. Christians do not agree on all matters pertaining to the Christian life, NOR DO THEY NEED TO.”

Chapter 14 also incorporates the usage of stong/weak faith in terms of how much one understands faith in context with the real world. And this is one aspect as to why there may or may not be disputes on a subject matter, such as tattoos vs food types in this chapter. It also talks about how the strong and weak christians must respect each other because NEITHER is master over the other but God is master of all and as someone stated, we all answer to God, both now and when we are judged after death. It goes on to talk about doing something to cause your brother to stumble, and as someone stated, whether or not tattooing is a modern pagan thing to do against God or not, if it doesn’t cause your brother/sister to stumble because the tattoo is representing Jesus/God/Christianity… then well, it’s not all bad if you view tattooing to be bad.

Further, Paul mentions that the food rules no longer apply, but in any bible verse we must look at it first in the context of that time, and then transfer the understanding we receive to the present time. And that’s hard, plus the fact that the bible mentions numerous times that our God is so great that a lot of things we cant and wont understand about him… this includes many of the things I think Christians argue about today. We were built simply to do one thing, worship the Lord our God.

Thus, instead of always finding a way to argue and be seperate, we shouldnt ever forget that all who believe ( everyone in the WORLD) represents the body of Christ. We cant let minute differences plague God’s mission of spreading his love. Arguing doesnt promote unity, community, etc. Now, debating and great in depth discussions are another that one could argue, heh, is similar to how some people actually argue. The obvious difference is that despite the various opinions/perspectives on all life has to offer, if we remember we worship/follow the same God, I dont think we can go wrong. Afterall, we’ll sin till the day we die, all of us, and God’s OK with that, we should be too. PLus, all the difference perspectives/opinions I think represent the diverse and unique creation/mind God has when making all of us 7 billion people and much more to come in the future… good stuff to celebrate.

Further about disputes… it says that “such matters, decisions should be guided by conscience.” And it also says, “Not to generalize to mean that sin is only a matter of subjective opinion or conscience.” It mentions that Christ died for the weak Christians – those that didnt believe or had a hard time seeing the light, and that we strong christians should at least be willing to adjust our own behavior so as to attract and bring in those weak Christians. THAT is an interesting angle, I think, to ponder when considering tattoos and Christianity.

Here are some really good key points –
“To be concerned with such trivial matters is to miss completely the essence of Christian living.”
“To exercise freedom without responsibility can lead to evil results.”
(def) Mutual Edification – the spiritual building up of individual christians and of the church.

Here’s and awesome perspective to consider:
The weak Christian who as a redeemed person is God’s work and in whom God continues to work. Paul recognizes a strong Christian’s right ot certain freedoms, but qualifies it with the principle of regard for a weak Christian’s scruples. Strong Christians are not required to go against their convictions or change their standards. Yet they are not to flaunt their Christian freedom but keep it private. Here the conviction of one’s action is in keeping with God’s will.

Now Paul identifies himself with strong Christians whose personal convictions allow more freedom than the weak. Not merely to tolerate or put up with but to uphold LOVINGLY (failings – not sins). Since (in the context of food eating in Chapter 14) is not a sin and the scriptures have no clear guidance upon it.
And a choice there is to decide if tattooing and other matters of faith can be transfered over to be in the context of being a Christian.

My hope is that people will read this and understand God’s most strongest desire to LOVE people and have his body, US, do that for him, because he’ll LOVE us no matter what we do in life, as long as we follow him. It’s all about unity, not separation.

Jesus would have never spent time or money getting a tattoo for himself. Instead He would have spent His time and money on the needy and poor. If you are wanting a tattoo to represent Jesus because of His importance in your life, it is inconsistent to what He would have done.

Salvation comes to us thru our response to the gospel. It takes a change of heart towards GOD. And repentance. What i thought was right and acceptable before i met JESUS has changed over time. Be very careful when considering all things permenant. love in CHRIST!

I believe that these traditions that we follow are leading us into accepting other religious practices. So while it doesn’t seem so bad right now, we may be doing exactly what the evil leaders of this world wants us to do and that’s straying away from our God.

in response to Joe, i think what dana is saying, is that people, especially those young in Christ, may see tattoos or other actions comparable to other actions which are often termed as unchristian-like. Also, i work with youth, and in a position where kids may look up to me (as unworthy as i am) i must be careful as to what i encourage them to do. would my visible tattoo justify getting a tattoo against their parent’s veiws? perhaps it would- in which case, getting a tattoo when in a position of leadership could be seen as a bad idea. because a tattoo is often grouped among a certain lifestyle- opening up a door of reasoning in a person’s mind should be avoided. However, i do believe it is insanely important for us to not judge, and let the holy spirit convict us ourselves.

I can’t believe how all us Christians may sound to unbelievers. Using a God Bless or any other Christianese after we insult eachother. How about NO ONE knows the answer. Unless God Himself came down and told you personally. We will be judged for tattoos and a lot more on the day we arrive in Heaven. I think whether you get one or not should be based on your convictions and no one elses. Peoples convictions won’t ever be the same because we all come from different backgrounds, have different experiences and are all on a different place in our relationship w/ our Savior. I am a Christian w/ a tattoo and I may regret it later, like the time I was speeding and broke a law of the land and got a ticket, or I may not regret it when I’m older. We are not perfect by any means and never will be. We can’t be. There are so many other things to worry about. Tattoos should be the least of them.

I’m 18yrs old. Today I am going in to get my first tattoo. It’s a key with the trinity symbol and infinity/eternity symbol incorporated into it. In the middle of the key I put Matt. 16-19, For i have given you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. I just re-committed my life to Christ, the tattoo shows symbolic meaning that I have been given the keys to the kingdom. That God has given me a key to His house. It shows my permanent commitment to God. That I will forever be in heaven with The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

I came upon this quite accidentally, but I am absolutely flabbergasted at the dismissive justification here… I mean, quite nearly slack-jawed.

“Anyway, the tattoo of today is much different than it was for those who originally received the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the bible)”

This seems like the same kind of rationale that homosexual defenders use, by citing the horde mentality of the Sodomites, or the Roman use of catamite boys, or other homosexual practices of the day, etc. etc. I’m pretty sure homosexuality is much different today than it was for those who originally received the Word, too (Not that I track this kind of thing, but I haven’t heard too much lately about roving hordes of homos coursing through the streets to demand access to anyone’s houseguests). So is it your suggestion that we submit to or dismiss biblical guidance according to contemporary trends?

“If we were to obey the laws of the Old Testament we would also be bound by rules that would restrict shellfish and pork eating, hairstyles, wearing of clothes made from two different fabrics, even eating cheese on hamburgers….Our right standing before God comes from placing our trust in Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for our debts, not on following the Old Testament regulations.”

Uhhh…. forgive me if I am missing something that differentiates this rationale from self-serving cherry-picking. Not to get stuck on it as the countervailing example, but by this logic, not only should Christians be ALLOWED to be homosexual, perhaps ONLY Christians should be allowed to be homosexual, because they are relieved of The Law by virtue of their faith in Christ, whereas the Jews better stick to The Law.

Let’s get the cheeseburgers (mixing meat and dairy) out of the way… that’s not even from the Bible. The prohibition against mixing meat and dairy is an extrapolation of rabbinic law, rather than divine law developed in the tradition of “building a fence around the Torah,” essentially, taking the word of God and devising a bunch of more stringent and specific rules around THAT, so as to help prevent accidental violations of God’s law. The Law itself actually only refers to cooking goats, not all meats or all milks, or any meats with any milks. Cooking the young of any species in its mother’s milk seems detestable, even barbaric, but to have extrapolated the goat-cooking rule to mean that we should not eat a turkey and swiss sandwich seems a bit extreme. But yours is the logic that a lot of modern Jews use for not observing the dietary laws, kind of a “that was then, this is now” kind of thinking. At least fundamentalist Jews who condemn homosexuality are being consistent in their tradition by taking the actual word of God and adding prohibitions on top of it as a failsafe. (I simply cannot understand the Christian rationale for deciding that homosexuality is such a big deal, while going virtually silent on, say, adultery or divorce, which are OBVIOUSLY much bigger threats to the wellness of the family unit.)

But back to tattoos… what part of “shall not” is unclear here? It’s a simple verse. Really, really simple. Don’t do this, and don’t do that; I am the Lord. Thank you, drive thru. By what standard do you decide which sins Christ’s sacrifice was meant to cover, and which it was not? I just don’t get it.

Yes, and in the verse directly before that, “Do not trim off the hair on your temples or trim your beards.” I’m thinking that either God was referring to avoiding doing things for pagan purposes, or several people I saw at Wal-Mart today aren’t going to heaven.

Now Lan and Jimmy,
Here’s the problem; you are looking for a consistent Biblical interpretation, but people who argue against Tattoos cannot do that. The arguments become illogical or poorly contrived when that happens.

What’s poorly contrived, Joe? There’s one verse in the bible that addresses it, and it’s a SHALL NOT, so there’s no usual thorny problem of internal inconsistency. I do think it’s interesting how we come up with rationalizations for dismissing the rules we no longer find relevant or helpful, but indulge broad and generous interpretations for the ones we want to knock someone else upside the head with. My guess is… let’s see… you’ve had a little ink done? You probably don’t wait seven days for relations after your wife has her menses, either.

I’m not hacking at you personally. I’m totally wearing cotton-rayon blends and I don’t keep the sabbath and while I don’t have tattoos, I do eat me a little swordfish now and then, and those babies don’t have fins and scales and apparently the Lord finds them detestable, or an abomination, or some such thing. I pick and choose as much as the next person. We are hypocritical and judgmental and we love other people’s sins. If we put one-fifth of the energy into suppressing adultery–one of God’s Top Ten, okay?– that we put into suppressing homosexuality, now THAT would be some meaningful protection of family and marriage. But hmmmm…. can’t seem to recall the last time I heard about a big anti-cheating rally or any legislation to make sure that cheaters don’t get the same rights as people who divorce for other reasons, or any other kind of social sanction for that matter. Why not? It causes tremendous destruction in homes and families, breaks hearts and often leads to divorce, which is a socio-economic disaster for women and children in particular! Yeah, but it’s OUR sin. We LIKE that sin. If the statistics are correct, just more than half of married people of both genders cheat. Yeah, so we probably won’t be seeing any of that legislation coming up…

Lan, sometimes God gave His reasoning and sometimes He didn’t. I don’t presume to know what He was thinking. I think part of his point was to be arbitrary just to establish a baseline of compliance. But we want to come up with all this latter-day rationalization for Him, like pork caused trichonosis and red tide made shellfish toxic and haircuts and tattoos were pagan. Maybe he just picked some random things and said these I like for you and these I don’t, I am the Lord. I mean, what about circumcision? Hullo? That will sure separate you from some of His other peoples, but doesn’t it seem more like the kind of thing that pagans WOULD do? Yikes! A

AE,
You ask a question then seem to answer it for me. To use that verse as applicable today and maintain a consistent hermeneutical position is impossible or would require one to start killing disobedient children.
God gave Isreal commands that He did not give to the Church in the New Testament. As has been pointed out, that verse is smack dab in the middle of a bunch of others.
Those verses had to do with Israel, and many were given to them on how to properly run a country or differentiate themselves from other nations.
It’s poor use of the text to trot one verse out as a proof text like that.
I’m not hacking at you, I’m just hacking at that system of interpreting Scripture. Not only is it wrong, it’s dangerous.

Yes it is, Joe. I’m supposed to be operating under the old agreement, though, so I do find it odd when Christians, who have a different covenant, site The Law as authority. As I noted, if the new deal is faith in Jesus, then why all the wrangling about what the original text does or doesn’t say?

That said, I do realize that it’s helpful as a guide, even with Jesus’ sacrifice. The Law is full of guidance that steers people toward more ethical and less self-serving behavior. Yes, I agree that all these arbitrary mundane rules are about making Israel distinguish itself from others not only in the ethical issues, but in little day to day ways that keep us REMINDED that we are supposed to be acting differently. It’s a “mind the pennies and the dollars take care of themselves” approach. And insofar as that is always useful, then I guess the law provides good guidance for anyone.

But if you really–I mean REALLY– get your salvation through faith in Jesus, I don’t see what difference it would make to some Christians whether other Christians get tattoos or the wrong haircut or be gay, for that matter. That stuff is of the Law, not of faith. It’s hypocritical blibber-blabber… except insofar as the Law is used as a guide, and that’s where I see so much self-serving picking and choosing and tearing of hair and gnashing of teeth over someone else’s sin’s. My sister is seriously orthodox and tries to live by the Law–all of it. I have the highest regard for the discipline that takes, but in a lot of ways, she has it easier. It’s like here are the rules. Follow them. And then all the rabbinical fence-building on top of it.

I pick and choose. I am hoping I’m not damned because of it, and hoping that at least some kind of awareness of my hypocrisy and a slow, gradual effort to be more and more compliant will make me acceptable before I die. But I don’t know. And all my life, I keep going back to the Christians and praying to Jesus to see if I can get the same deal, and I’m not kidding, I’ve had dreams where he very kindly but firmly tells me to run along and go back to my people and the Law. Maybe it’s one of those “many are called, few are chosen” things. JC obviously doesn’t want me yet. So I admit it–I have Jesus Envy. I don’t have any right answers, but I darn sure keep coming up with questions. Sometimes they’re more about one thing than the other. And I’m pretty sure that if I don’t stay plugged into the conversation somewhere, I’ll start operating totally on self-will and that’s not gonna be pretty. So, fallible as we all are, I like to hang with the Christians that are working on it, and the Jews that are working on it, and just not ever get to thinking I have it figured out and some general level of ethical humanism is enough. Maybe God really, really cares about me knowingly eating swordfish and as one of His Chosen People, I’m gonna be in big trouble some day. I just know I’m falling short right now, and I don’t have Jesus working on my behalf. But I do keep checking in with him. Ya never know… I might get chosen again someday.

Yeah, I know. It’s okay. Some days I think it would be so much simpler to get saved, but I have an open heart and a hungry soul, and either I’m really supposed to stick –however brokenly– to the path I’ve been given because he doesn’t want me, or maybe I just don’t want him enough. I don’t get it, because I keep coming back and it’s just not happening. And then I look at all y’all Christians fighting and squabbling amongst yourselves as much as us Jews ever did and still do, and I wonder if Jesus really did make it any simpler. I don’t know.

i really like the way u put this…i was reasearching online the passage of where it talks about tattoos…and i couldn’t find it and then this website came up……and pretty much it comes down to personal conviction i believe…..just like alot of things….right on! God bless!:)

Wonderful information but you realize that Jesus is a mighty god but not Almighty god our creator?(John 17:3) At John 20:17 (1 Corinthians 8:6, JB) John 8:17, 18(Mark 10:18,(John 5:19, (John 7:16John 6:38(Luke 20:9-16Acts 4:23, 27, 30(Matthew 3:16, 17)(Luke 4:18) (Matthew 20:23,(Luke 22:42) (Mark 15:34(Luke 23:46If he were God, then Habakkuk 1:12 is wrong when it says: “O my God, my Holy One, you do not die.” But the Bible says that Jesus did die and was unconscious in the tomb. And who resurrected Jesus from the dead? If he was truly dead, he could not have resurrected himself. On the other hand, if he was not really dead, his pretended death would not have paid the ransom price for Adam’s sin. But he did pay that price in full by his genuine death. So it was “God [who] resurrected [Jesus] by loosing the pangs of death.” (Acts 2:24) The superior, God Almighty, raised the lesser, his servant Jesus, from the dead.
(Mark 13:32Hebrews 5:8 that Jesus “learned obedience from the things he suffered.” Can we imagine that God had to learn anything? No, but Jesus did, for he did not know everything that God knew. And he had to learn something that God never needs to learn—obedience. God never has to obey anyoneThe revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him.” (Revelation 1:1, RS, Catholic edition) If Jesus himself were part of a Godhead, would he have to be given a revelation by another part of the Godhead—God? Surely he would have known all about it, for God knew. But Jesus did not know, for he was not God.”God exalted this one [Jesus] . . . to his right hand.” (Acts 5:31) Paul said: “God exalted him to a superior position.” (Philippians 2:9) If Jesus had been God, how could Jesus have been exalted, that is, raised to a higher position than he had previously enjoyed? He would already have been an exalted part of the Trinity. If, before his exaltation, Jesus had been equal to God, exalting him any further would have made him superior to God.
ust before being stoned to death, the martyr Stephen “gazed into heaven and caught sight of God’s glory and of Jesus standing at God’s right hand.” (Acts 7:55) Clearly, he saw two separate individuals—but no holy spirit, no Trinity Godhead.
Revelation 4:8 to 5:7, God is shown seated on his heavenly throne, but Jesus is not. He has to approach God to take a scroll from God’s right hand. This shows that in heaven Jesus is not God but is separate from him”After that will come the end, when he [Jesus in heaven] will hand over the kingdom to God the Father . . . Then the Son himself will be subjected to the One who has subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.”—1 Corinthians 15:24, 28, (1 Corinthians 11:3John 14:28,

Regarding God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit: To argue that God and Jesus are not one in the same is to argue that a cup of water and an ice cube next to it is not one in the same. They areJ both water, but in different forms. The same can be said about the Holy Spirit. Boil a pot of water long enough and it will boil dry. Why? Because the water evaporated in the form of steam. It’s still water, just a different form.

I am 49 this year and have always wanted a tattoo but never known exactly what i wanted. Last week it came to me and I want a dove of peace with interlinked alpha and omega symbols to symbolise my relationship with Jesus and the work of the holy spirit in my life. It is just for me and will be small and on my inner wrist where it can be covered if needed. Its a personal thing and a reminder of what God has done in my life but as a christian i wanted to ensure that there was no major issue with doing this from a biblical sense. Everything else aside…and there have been some excellent points of view…it comes down to my relationship with God and my prayers on the subject. I think we can get carried away by the law and lose the spirit of the issue. In all we do we should be glorifying God and to do this we should be in constant communication with him and examine our motives in all things. Sometimes we will be wrong as we are human but in the end its a personal thing between me and God. So i say follow the KISS principle…Keep It Simple, Stupid. (no offence meant and i am not calling anyone stupid its just a management principle).

thanks for this enlightment, i was planning for a tattoo in summer then a friend told me, ‘dont you know it is ungodly’ then i asked ‘how’ but he couldnt explain, but i will save this page for him to see himself, now i am considering to write bodly on my back ‘JESUS SAVES’. thanks again

I’m not one to comment often but I found this site after researching tattoos. For the person who dragged in tattoos compared with homosexuality…..are you serious? It is comparing apples with oranges. The debate with tattoos is that in the OT it discusses not doing it with reguardes to rituals and the fact that there is no mention of it in the NT but does discuss that we are under the new law. To some they feel that their faith and just what it means to be a christian allows them to have tattoos(which I personally don’t have a problem with). Homosexuality IS CLEARLY SPOKEN AGAINST in the NT. There is no wiggle room there.

Well one thing, I will not try to persuade anyone not to get a tattoo or to get one. On account I mean we as people have the right to make our own decisions and we are judged on the kind of choices we make in different circumstances. I will encourage you all to read your Bible and recieve an understanding of what it means to you. Be salty.(Matthew 5:13, Mark 9:50,) And get your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) and don’t be a fool Proverbs tell us to get our knowledge and don’t be affraid of it.

Hey i really like the way you covered the issue of tattoos. I myself have one and I did do research before and after i decided to get one, but my question is a bit different on the thought of tattoos when it comes to death. My best friend recently passed away in a car wreck and I want to get a tattoo to remember her by. I know i have her in my heart and mind but a tattoo is something I would like to do to remember her. Is it a sin to have a tattoo in remembrance of her with or without her name one it? It is something i’d like to do but I do not want to sin against God if the bible say’s it is wrong. Can you get back to me on it? Thanks!

The topic of Tattoos, was just discussed in my house. I know that tattoos were forbidden in the Old Testament, which is the Law. Many say because Jesus died for our sin, that we are no longer bound to the law. But I beg to differ, Jesus stated himself in Matthew 5:17-18; Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the Law till all is fulfilled. So individuals research the scriptures further, before they state Tattoos was under the Law.

Im not english so i hope u understand me well .
I believe in Jezus and God and i have tattoo’s
Most people here say why should u change something that God created .But ladyz think about this God Created also women. and women got also hair on there chest/face(mustang) legs , ass not all but most do. and almost all of u ladyz keep shaving/plucking/laser it away . Why should u do arent u happy how god Created u ?

Everbody also me is saying stuff what u cant do and what u can but we all do things that we are not suppose to do . The human brain is making us doing all this stuff its the evolution its how we see things how we experience things on Tv or in life. Nobody is living 100% how the bible wants it because The human brain changes everything thats how we made , God gave us a brain 2 do new stuff 2 make the world better for our farfarfar children . Just think about some hundred years ago they didnt even know what a Car/Pc was how easy things can go if human use their brain . if u get old ur skin is getting ”ugly” so what does a tattoo change on that in Gods eyes. I dont think that u go with ur body to the life after this , a 90 year old skin isnt that beauty 2 have in heaven wouldnt u think ? so the tattoo will vanish also. Sorry for my bad english hope u understand me a little

Mt 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy THE LAW, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mt 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from THE LAW, till all be fulfilled.
We most certainly are STILL held responsible for what we teach our children! I don’t believe that heaven and earth has passed away yet…and ALL has not yet been fulfilled…the Lord has not returned yet! But yes, we do have freedom through Jesus Christ! Still, God says for us to be HOLY even as He is HOLY! As Christians, we are to be a separate people,a HOLY people, living in the world but not of the world! What tattoos say to those that are in the world is that you are just like them! If you want to look like, and act like the world then why become a Christian?? God tells us to NOT act like the heathen! Come out of the world and be a HOLY people! Did Jesus cut himself? Did Jesus print any marks upon himself??
When I was in the world, I acted just like others in the world(I spake as a child). But I chose to ask the Lord to come into my life…into my heart and I became a new creature! Over time, the Holy Spirit began to teach me and change my sinful heart, mind & soul. The things that I had already done to my body (now – the temple of the Lord) I can not change. But I have the choise NOW that I have accepted the LIFE of Christ in me to be HOLY just as HE IS HOLY! That means with joy I accept His commandments for myself, to live as Jesus would live and obey God’s word. I hope I can be the example to my children that Jesus was to all generations to come. Would you also write graffiti on the walls of the sanctuary? Yes, it is only a building…but it has been set aside to be a HOLY place where we go to worship our God and our most holy SAVIOR! Ask my son the definition of sancutary. Now he is 22 and he has great respect for the body of Christ and His sancturary. He plays music (sax, clarinet, piano, etc.) for two churches in Atlanta and he is a really cool young man. He loves to serve the Lord…he has a wonderful witness for the Lord to other young people and he has NO TATOOS!

We have one line, Lev. 19:28, about marking the body in the Levitical Law in context to Jewish nation not copying rituals of pagan culture in wilderness and in Promise Land. Laws on clothing, grooming, diet, provision for poor, specific to Jewish nation. It is stretch to apply it to the Church today, one made based on bias in today’s culture.

Point of the law was to show nation that they were not holy, could never live a holy life, and needed forgiveness and a messiah.

Christ life demonstrated to the “religious” of his day that it is not about religion but about relationship. By living a life not violating a single regulation in the Law Christ fulfilled it and his resurrection brought it to an end.
New Testament made it pretty clear (if you use common since and study scripture in context, context, context) which laws were cultural pertaining to the Jewish nation BC and which moral aspects of the OT law carried over after Christ resurrection to the church.

Tattoos, body piercing, etc. are issues for modern day Pharisees to debate over. As a pastor my tats, motorcycle, clothing gives me an in to share the Gospel with a group that most of the people writing against tats on this forum try to avoid and have no voice with.

Now if you want one think long and hard before you put something on your body that is permanent. I spent over three years researching designs and placement before putting my first tat, a crown of thorns, around my ankle. And I spent three hours witnessing to the artist and everyone in the shop while I was getting inked.

If you don’t like tats, don’t get one. If you are under age 18 or living at home and your parents don’t want you to get one then respect their wishes. When you are old enough and can financially support yourself then you can think about getting a tat. Like most issues the “church” waste valuable time and resources hashing out these topics.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (First Corinthians 6:19-20)

Did we all forget this verse? How is it so that Jesus died and that’s it we do not have any responsibility any more, if we did that than we will be no better that the animals they are driven by instinct we have brains and have a heavenly Law if we let our instincts controll ourselfs what what have we become. It’s easy to make the bible agree with what we would like it to be but did What was the message Jesus was preaching was it after I die go back to your ways because I have died for your sins I highly doubt that.a little contemplation is needed.

Tattoing is a sin, Jesus said one jot or one tiitle shall not pass from the law till allbe fulfilled and he himself said he did not come to destroy the law. If tattoing is okay than all the rest of the things he said not to do is okay, we cant just pick and choose the ones that are now okay according to what you are saying. But here is the truth, Jesus came to write the laws in our hearts that we would obey his word from a pure heart and not by force. Therefore, as romans 6 tells us that we should not walk in sin any longer. Also saying that we should be transformed by the renewing of our mind in to the image of christ. Another words we should not be forced to do those things which he said was right but the we ourselves will obey them willingly because we love him. Those who justify things like homosexuality, tattoing, sorcery, and other such evil are ignorant of what the truth is because it has been watered down by false teachers. God loves every one but he is still the same God yesterday, today and forever.

So…my question still remains….what do we do with the rest of the law? Do you abide by EVERYTHING in the law? Jesus did also say that he came to FULFILL the law. So…did the sacrifice that Jesus paid with his life only fulfill SOME of the law?…or ALL?

If u read the old testament and the new testament, you’ll see that some laws do not apply to us anymore because of the Cross. Some got harder, example – thou shall not commit adultery (old t) (new t) But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Some other things that GOD told us not to do in the old testament, I don’t see it change at all. Then u have the one that are clarified in the new testament, about eating meant or what day to Worship. Like I said before, when people want to do something and not fell guilty, these kind of issue come up. God Word dose not or will not ever change. God Bless

Thanks for the info! I’m thinking about getting a cross on back. I’m going to put the names of my brother and sister who died at birth in it. And I want it on my back to symbolize that faith always has my back.

Lori, listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to you. If u feel a conviction about doing it , then don’t do it. People are always going to find a reason to do what they want to do, even if the Bible tells them NO. Pray about it, read the Word, the Holy Spirit will always guide you to the truth. A tattoo is a tattoo no matter what it’s says. Can u imagine someone robbing a bank to feed the poor, wrong is wrong. Pray about it Lori, Pray. God Bless

Interesting how some people think that the Law in OT doesn’t apply anymore.
Jesus didn’t come so that we can totally ignore the Law and live however we want AND still be saved.
You don’t have to be a Christian to know that tattoo & piercing aren’t something you should follow. Why do you think most criminals have tattoos and body piercing? It’s not a coincidence that there is a high correlation.
It is true that Jesus came to forgive our sins because we as humans cannot obey the Law fully and it is impossible for anyone to be called righteous by God through the Law. Having said that, if we are guided by Holy Spirit in everything that we do, we should be guided away from committing sins. The problem lies in the fact that we often act out of our own will rather than listening to Holy Spirit.
It’s sad to see the modern Christian getting tricked by Satan and gradually accepting what’s unGodly to be a mere change in the culture. These days you see many Christians that support homosexuality too. What’s next? The devil is certainly at work here and the work is continuing to deceive the believers.

What he said… how can you read through that piece of scripture in Leviticus and ignore the part about shaving(most people throughout the world shave) while binding the part about tattoos. Or why don’t we honor the sabbath anymore?

Is this pro tattoo preaching or doctrine that you preach from the HOLY SPIRIT i dont here Him mentioned not even once. Please be careful not make a comment from a self opinionated point of view make a statement from the truth and the only place truth lies is the mind mouth and Word of GOD. There is no where in the scripture where it says anything good about tatoos. And it still a unGODly practist weather it is for beautification or not the word fo God says “you must not” as long as you accept Yeshua as lord and savior you are a spiritual Jew or Israelite so this that passage of scripture applies to all. If you had it before you gave your life to The Christ then then you are easily forgiven because you were spirtually blind and in darkness and people in darkness do dark things but when in the light walk as children of the light. To preach that it is ok as a saint in Christ to go and decorate yourself with this unGodly art form according to the Word of GOD is an abomination. Preaching that tatoo is right is a lie no where in The Scripure defends this and therefore you pervert the WORD of ELOHIM CHAIYIM (the living God) and that in itself is doctrine of devils. Be careful what you preach. Perversion of God holy word bring about a serios judgement check the word and see what God says about that. Finally dont be carried about with every wind of doctrine. Read the Scripture, develope a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is the teacher and will bring you into all truths. The truth and mans analisys, interlect is not the same. The truth is The spoken, the written and the living WORD OF ELOHIM (GOD). Only truth prevails not mans analisys. Oh and Jesus tatted statement “really” is that the best you guys can do? What part of this Scripure Revelation 19:16 promotes Tatoo? Is YESHUA first coming to a tattoo shop to get a man to inscribe “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” in His garment and on His thigh? Who inscribe is this on Him? Be very careful what you use to try to justify what you use to justify your likes and be even more careful of swaying people to what you like. Find some scriptures with real context and reveation from The HOLY SPIRIT that realy support you argument. Then you can spread that doctrine. YESHUA when he was un earth brought revelation of the law where He needed to bring understanding. Read the Scripture carefully and ask the HOLY SPIRIT to bring revation to you. Again be very very careful what you preach.

Massive, this article written by Timmy is an opinion piece based on his understanding of scripture. You will find that we have, at least I know I have said that it is something that each individual will have to make their own assumption based on what THEY see in scripture AND what the Holy Spirit reveals to them.

I am confident that if I make a mistake, and I have made a few, when I admit my mistakes to HIM…he is faithful and just to forgive my wrongdoings.

No one should make any decision about getting a tattoo unless they themselves have sought after God and He speaks to them through his word and in prayer.

This text relates to the Covenant that Israel had with God, which falls down to all who accept Christ, it is not a limited or pick and choose lifestyle (Christianity). Since your statement suggests that it is okay for any Christian to accept a tattoo or marking, it should be readily acceptable to practice witchcraft with an intent of worshipping Christ through acts of majic, right?

Since your statement suggests that it is okay for any Christian to accept a tattoo or marking, it should be readily acceptable to practice witchcraft with an intent of worshipping Christ through acts of majic, right?

While I do think the argument was a great argument. I feel it lacks biblical principles in two ways. 1. if it looks like a duck and walks like a duct and quacks like a duck…then its a duck. What I mean by that is that the tattoo culture seems to revolve around demonic things like graphics, activities and even are located by a lot of psychic and fortune telling shops. Also tats are connected to body modifications that tend to make man look more demon or animal. 2. there is no biblical example of any positive talk of any kind of body modification in the bible its all negative and connected to the worship practices of the other religions that God dint want the jews adopting… so my question is did we adopt cultist religious practices and slightly modify them so they are more acceptable to us Christians…then isint it still a religious activity???

You are correct that there are a large portion of tattoo shops that are attached to such places as you mentioned. That however….is not the argument here.

If you make that argument then one could also make the argument that you shouldn’t listen to music because of where it gets played or who plays it, or the record company is owned by someone who owns a shopping center that has a psychic in it, or so on and so forth.

The argument that Timmy is making on this post is based in scripture.

There has been no one yet that has made a convincing biblical argument against what Timmy is saying. That is sad considering this post was originally posted in 2007.

I just find it incredibly heartbreaking that Christians can find such trivial things to argue about. There are people dying every single day and going to hell. There are people out there suffering from addictions and illnesses that are searching for hope and deliverance. We have found, in our relationships with Christ Jesus and through Him, God the Father, exactly what the world needs! The world is full of arguing, bickering, and back biting so if a sinner were to pass by this thread, would it not appear to them to just be more of the same? Do we sound like people that are conveying the grace, mercy, and love of Jesus??? We all have to strive to find our way in this world everyday. We fail more often than we succeed and none is perfect! I don’t believe that the sacrifice given for us is a license to sin, however, when we do fail His love covers us. As I have read in several comments above, we should all pray and seek God’s guidance in every decision we make. I believe that if you don’t have peace about something (whatever that may be), you should not make a decision until you do. I completely understand that we have to be corrected at times in our lives. I don’t believe that everything should just be accepted as right if it feels good. BUT, we are not the ones who should be doing the correcting. Anything that I say outside of directly quoting a scripture is my opinion or interpretation. Who am I to believe that my interpretation is more “right” than yours? I know that there are some things in His word that need no interpretation at all, but anything we can possibly question should be left to Him to answer. If you’ll listen, He’ll tell you exactly what to do. That still, small voice will direct your footsteps. We need to understand that there won’t be a tattooed section in Heaven. There won’t be a Baptist or Catholic section either. We have got to stop focusing on what the people that we are walking with look like and focus on taking as many with us as we can. Your path may look a little different than mine, but we are all hoping to make it to the same destination, right? So instead of attacking one another with scripture hurled like stones from our different paths, lets encourage one another to keep on keeping on! Go witness to someone today! Tell them about how the love of God is the best thing that ever happened to you! Be blessed and be a blessing to someone! Don’t get caught up in looking at the individual brushstrokes and miss the beautiful painting!

This was amazing help thank you! I was saved just before I had my daughter who is a month old and haved recieved the lord into my heart. I wanted to comemorate this wonderful time in my life by getting a tattoo. Im thinking of getting a heart that says love for the love I have for my daughter and to always remind me that god is love. I didnt know if it was a sin but this really cleared things up for me and im excited to get it done . Thank you!

Reblogged this on Mrs. Talk Your Ears Off Now Has a New Blog! and commented:
As a Christian with NO tattoos, this really hits home! I have often thought about getting tattoos, but for me, I didn’t feel that I was ready to tattoo myself, however, I never thought it was a bad thing to do or judged others because they had tattoos! I believe it’s something between you and God and I just wanted to share this! What a wonderful post!

I understand that today we do not cut ourselves or make gouges in the flesh however I do not believe it is right to put tattoos on the body, as people say it is art well that is like saying the body as god intended it to be is not well enough made, as we all know that we are made in the image and likeness of god. I do not believe god has tattoos, not only that but people say well I have a godly tattoo so I do not see what is wrong with it, just because you have a godly tattoo does not mean that you walk with god not only that if you want to see god in someone usually you can see god in them with out anything proving that they belong to god. Tattoos is a pagan practice always was and always will be simple as that.

Another thing people seem to take out of context is the fact that they say the laws apply to the Jewish nation, anyone who is born again is grafted into the family of god weather he be Jew gentile or any other race you are of the family of god and the laws apply to the family of god people always say well we are not under the law or that is from old testament. What people do not understand is that god changes not what I mean is the laws that where given to Moses still stand today, what Jesus did when he died on the cross was to bridge a gap between sin in man and god, so we did not have to do works in order to bridge that gap, he new that there would be know way to become clean from the mark of sin that is why he sent his son because he new man in doing all the works could not bridge that gap.

There is no argument that what Jesus did was “to bridge a gap between sin in man and God”. I think everyone understands that. But according to the scripture if you are going to hold to One Levitical law, you must abide by all. I think it’s safe to say that NONE of us can abide by ALL of the laws in Leviticus.

As far as the art of tattoo being a pagan practice…you are right….so are a few other things that WE have incorporated into our lives. So…how can that argument be valid?

As a Christian you are to be set apart. Meaning not like the world. I understand that every one has sin as do I, and no you cannot keep the law of god perfectly that is what Jesus did. As far as your argument as quite: so are a few other things that WE have incorporated into our lives. So…how can that argument be valid? Because as a Christian it is not a life style, to be a friend of the world is to be a enemy of god. Tattoos is a worldly practice just because the world does it does not mean it is Wright you can call it art or whatever it is sin,

As researched or well read as you may seem there is only one thing that stands out in my mind. God has ask his people to set themselves apart from things of the world, If you are a believer why do you want to look like an unbeliever who is consumed in only worldly things. You confusing people who really want to know the truth when you twist the bible to suit your actions. Don’t help satan confuse people who really are seeking God’s face.

I agree that we are to be set apart…but i have tattoos and people have no doubt of who or what I am. But…its not because of how I look…but because of my actions…how I live my life.

As far as twisting scripture to fit our belief…that has not been done here. Timmy wrote this in order to shed some light…and we have always maintained that one should never enter into the decision of getting a tattoo without first seeking Gods will.

Thank you for your input on what the Bible says about tattoos. I learned things that I could not find from your writing. I believe as long as we take up our own crosses and have faith in God, Praise Him and be thankful everyday for the rest of our lives, then the Lord Jesus Christ is not gonna turn us away when he comes back just because we’ve expressed our emotions, feelings, thoughts, memories, love for someone on our bodies. That’s why I get tattoos is to express myself so the whole world will see how I feel about certain things, especially my faith and love of God. Thanks again. God bless you.

I really dig what you’re doing? I love what ya wrote that tats can be a good way to spark an interest in someone who doesn’t know about what being a Christian is all about. they’re a great way to express your love for God. again, thanks and keep up the good work. God bless you.

I appreciate your work of God, I have posted in my FB linkhttp://www.facebook.com/rev.petershetty
Bible says ‘ NO TO TATTOO ‘
Lev 19:28 “………nor put any tattoo writing upon you: I am Jehovah” (Darby Version)

I don’t do any of the things God said not to do in lev 19 or elsewhere and when I do slip up, as we all do I am so thankful for His sacrifice and limitless grace…..but sin is sin period. All forms of paganism are more prevelent today than they were at the time this was written and I fail to see how it’s any different then than it is now, after all idols all merely graffic symbolic representations of our emotions and self expressions, they thought they were artistic back then to
, and art for its own sake is vanity, any form of vanity or pride is of the worst as it leads to the rest of sins, ps im including earrings makeup, hair fashions, etc… as things God dosnt like, im not half stepping because of its general accepance, your opinion or my own, an idol is your interpreting God according to your own imagination and desire.
It seems things havnt changed much. …..” I did it…and I’m ok…” Please , look at the brainwashed youth today! they are so lost from lack of leadership and so completely confused that they believe they have their “own” opinions and keep regurgitating all the propagana and retoric of the secular demonic world……while so called leaders try and reach them by becoming like the world? does God save you in sin or from it? it becomes obvious what the “choices” made by well intentioned adults from the last few generations has lead to… Of course they thought they were wiser than thousands of years of experience and even God himself, and while it my not have effected them directly durning their lifetime, we are stuck with the results of what it lead to…. We are cleaning up the mess when we are supposed to be building the Kingdom, we are losing the identity of our Father and promoting the worlds , when we are supposed to be becoming sovreign and passing on examples of His identity to the youth so that they dont have to search in satans world trying to find themselves according to their own expression!

No there is no difference between then and now accept that it’s getting worse as he said it would.
Furthermore while we do have liberty now to do all things for good, and for those that are redeemed we are not under the law but over it in Christ and for us nothing done to glorify Him is unclean. (For example, we have traffic laws to make travel safer, and there is punishments for breaking them so people won’t forget or rebel, of course some will and there will be a price, but the laws aren’t for safe drivers but for the unsafe, of course and experienced drivers could break many of the rules with discernment and still be safe but if they are responsible they wouldn’t do so unless it was required to prevent a potentially dangerous situation…. I know this is petty in comparison but I hope you get the point….and the fact is, I don’t think when many of you woke up this morning and ate bacon that you were doing so to lift up the glory of God or save anybody and could of made other choices if it were simply eating to give you the strength too serve…..no you were eating simply because you like the flavor and wanted to indulge your lust…. So please stop misrepresenting Paul’s wonderful word of liberty! Liberty and freedom are not the same, grow up and be responsible. Especially if you are a leader or plan on teaching anything! I can eat pork today if I know it will help lead someone to salvation and then chose not to eat it for myself tomorrow, because I would not break Gods law for my own pleasure but I know it will leave my body in a couple days and the persons salvation is more important, but tattoos stay they are permanent pagan expressions regardless of the symbol or graven image used, and please stop with the self expression none sense, your “self” should have died when you met our Messiah, if it hasn’t that brings up a serious concern about the legitimacy and conviction of your conversion and faith, sorry if I’m not milk feeding but some need the solid food. I’m not in a place to write down the dozens of scriptures supporting my line of reasoning, but if you study the bible in the Holy Spirit and with a sincere open heart then you already know the ones I’m referring to….
In the old days man carried out Gods law; so he had authority to punish, for preservation and nation building, if a person committed adultery, etc… They had to be put to death, because the price of sin is death and even the smallest sin, meant blood had to be shed, all this is still true today, but because of the blood of Christ it is not our right to carry out the sentence but His! But neither the sentence nor the law has changed, the price is still the same and without His blood you will suffer and or die for your sin! If you continue to rebel and continue do so without repentance after knowing Him , the same will be true, Yshua is not a license to sin! The church is divided because of rebellion and reasoning in love, correction, together with Gods word will eventually bring us together again, all here are my brothers and sisters I have no seperation from you simply because of Misunderstanding. And we are mandated to judge one another in love according to His word (1 Corinth. Chapters 5:12- 6:3)
I pray you do the same for me, as I have some logs that need removing and I prefer the pain of extraction then the sweetness of false encouragement….
Blessed heart of perfect fire love

Best as I could figure, tatoos are not a true sin. Jesus gave us grace that we may live free from the burden of the old testament laws. Common sence should suggest that living by such a high and particular standard would become so cumbersome that you as beleiver would think that Christ would be like a demanding dictator not a loving father. Let us all as a loving, christian people not be judgemental but love each other as Christ loves us. However, I do beleive that common sense laws should be kept as a means of living a stable life. As I figure, If the tatoo is christian in nature, the tatoo could actually be smiled upon by God. I say this because the Bible does clearly state in no uncertain terms that if you express your love of Christ, Tatooing being one of the boldest expressions that you can make about yourself, then he will openly confess you too his father, lierally honoring god with christian sybolicism with your body. I do believe that you should only get a christian tatoo when you feel certain that you do seriously have a relationship with Christ. Don’t just go to church and expect to enter the kingdom of heaven. Billy Graham Said that only 25% of the church is actually saved. So for the sake of genuinity please ask yourself: am I really saved? I remember when I truly got saved. And I do have a tatoo of a cross below my right shoulder. From a biblical perspective right handed blessing means most well blessed.

The Bible says what it says, The old testament is there for us to learn from. Now you (anybody) wants to get a tattoo despite what the Bible says, that’s between you and God. What I see now in days, is people making the Bible fit there life style, so when they do something the Bible says NO, they won’t fell bad. God’s word is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God’s Word will not return to him void. Remember as God’s Children we are not of this world, where just passing thru. We should be living for our eternal home, not getting caught up in this worlds worldly things. The best thing I can say is, PRAY about it, let the Holy Spirit guide to all truth. God Bless

Tattoos are a sin no matter how someone tries to justify it or manipulating the words. Why would you want to put a permanent image on your Body that doesn’t represent Jesus Christ or not pertaining to God, when the bible clearly states 1Corinthians 3:16-17, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
1 Corinthians 6:19 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Not only are you putting a poisoning Ink in your skin permanently, but some of the images you put on your body defile or goes against God. Some of these expressions of tattoos ties into false god worshiping. When you express that image or self expression more then you express God or worshiping God you are false god worship. Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:4-6“You shall not make for yourself a carved image (aka-Imprinted, stamped, impressed)-(Hint Tattoos), or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
There are many ways we can express ourselves in a Godly Manner. There is a lot more that goes into getting tattoos other than just an image or expression of self. Our lives are not about self it’s about Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We are to expressing Him inward and throughout oneself. To those who questions if tattoos are a sin, Call on Lord to help you discern the truth in tattooing and branding and in your life in general. Our whole purpose is to Praise, Worship, give adoration to Christ Jesus and God; to spread HIS Gospel to the world. Not to get caught up in the things of the world. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

I would like to add that while I know many Christians worldwide that still practice Gods culture in a way Christs disciples and early churches would still recognize, it is a shame that the vast majority of churches today have abandoned not just the codes, principles, regulations and laws, of the Old Testament and their place in Christianity, but the 10 commandments as well, now I know that most Christians say the 10 commandments are still revelant but truly?! only a few commandments are still considered, and the argument always seems to follow….that was all done with Christ, So if thats so, what concerns me then is why do the churches today not even follow New Testament codes, values, regulations, principles, laws and commandments, while we may be united on the point of doctrine most vital, which is Yshua is the Messiah God in flesh sacrificed for our sins so that we may have forgiveness, grace and salvation, that is wonderful news and the milk of newborns. But what about everything established by Christ for our growth, protection and development in the 1st century churches, that we are called to be obedient too, all of which is the true pleasure to a believer in relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit. It appears that based on what moderns churches choose to teach and modern Christians seem to like to believe is that all biblical culture, custom, code or law whether from God or man is outdated and irrevelent, if disapproved of by current “times”, “trends”, or “customs” in fact neo pagan tradition appears to be more revelant, acceptable and valuable than Christian traditions, it seems that the only “traditions” that have value today are those that keep paying bodies in the pews, and “Christ” is kept in there just to maintain a form of religion……. No wonder why the vast majority of people who call themselves Christians have never known Christ and may not get to Zion, woe to the shepherds that lead my sheep astray, they will suffer many strikes…. Let those called to lead (teach) be few…..you will always be able to find someone that will tell you what you want to hear and will boost your confidence towards wrongdoing by justifying your wrong choices….fools will die for want of wisdom….wisdom loves correction….better to be beaten by a wise man than praised by a fool….take no council from the wicked…. Love of the world is enmity towards God……..
May your prayer, humble submission to God and sincere reading of His word with guidance from the Holy Spirit Guide you to truth….
Blessed Shabbat in Gods Love.

Hey guys.
So I’m a young Christian, and I was considering getting a tattoo when I start college or maybe a few years later. The tattoo I want is a small, simple cross on my wrist. I’ve been looking through the Bible and websites like this and trying to take a side on the issue. Some people say that people with tattoos may be conforming to society or trying to get attention or simply following a fad, which may be true in some cases. However, it doesn’t apply to everyone. The reason why I want a small cross on my wrist is because its tasteful and it won’t look terrible when I’m older. Also, I look at my wrist multiple times a day and its a great reminder for me to live everyday for Christ and to glorify Him in all I do. To me personally, it would be a simple representation of my commitment to God. Also, the wrist is an area seen often by others. It’s a great conversation starter and a way for me to witness to others, because I’m naturally shy and I don’t typically talk to others unless they talk to me first. I’ve still got two or three more years to pray, research, and think about the permanent decision of getting a tattoo, but I don’t personally believe that it’s a sin either and I completely agree on this article. Thanks for posting it!
God bless. 😊

Hey Audrey I have a cross on the back of my neck as “a sign of my dedication” to the Lord. It was a HUGE mistake!!I understand your motive but lets stick to the Word,the Bible says FAITH comes by HEARING and HEARING by the WORD OF GOD! So i fyou want to witness, you have to SPEAK so they can HEAR! If I knew what I knew now about tattoos I would NOT i REPEAT would NOT have gotten mine.. but the kicker is THEIR PERMANANT..check out “exministries” regarding tattoos.. they have plenty of the TRUE knowledge of tattoos and their backgrounds and how they affect us as believers TODAY. love you my Sister in Christ. Be Encouraged!

To Bekah… Amen! I agree with you 1000% People try to rationalize what they don’t agree with simply to avoid their own guilt complex btecause deep down they know it’s wrong. There are at least three reference in the Bible directly about tattoos; not 1 as the author would have you believe. Also, we are always told, even Jesus Himself has told us that our bodies are the temples to our souls and should be treated as holy. I mean you wouldn’t walk into a church and spray graffiti on the walls, would you? And YES, tattoos are graffiti, even it you think a pretty butterfly isn’t! Defacing our bodies intentionally with tattoos, brandings, etc is nothing less than sacrilgious!!! And to add to that… addictive drug use, obesity, and gluttony just to name a few are in the same catergory as tattoos. Quit looking for excuses to make you feel better about your sinning! And if you’re wondering, I always recommend clip-on earrings to women, since piercing is defacing the body as well. NEVER did Jesus get any piercings or tattoos! How’s that for an example! Wake up, people!!!

I cant BELIEVE the COMPROMISE!!! TRULY if you believe you can change this sripture to say its OK to get tattoos you will change many others..Would JESUS get a tattoo?? Or would He preach against them? OH.. HE ALREADY DID! Please WAKE UP CHRISTIANS I am 22 and this could EASILY trip people up into manipulating the WORD to justify their OWN LUSTFUL DESIRES!! Besides if you have to JUSTIFY something 9 times out of 10 its the WRONG thing!! PLEASE stop making it so easy fo the ENEMY to encourage compromise!! By the way I have tattoos.. there ARE spirits linked to them which is the rreason WHY everyone who has one or is considering one FIGHTS DEFENSIVELY for them. Repent (TURN AWAY) for the sin and SIN NO MORE as JESUS has said MANY times b4. I pray that a life be changed and a soul be saved.. eyes are opened and GOD is GLORIFIED!! Be Blessed! Be IN the world NOT OF the world!!

here’s a good webpage to back up your claim. I think you will find that the writing within this site are very conservative and purely scripturally based. I do believe this is a true prophesy ministry that tries to have a very honest and devoted approach to preaching biblical truths properly and teaching sound doctrine.

I just stumbled upon this…extremely late apparently considering when the original post was, but I felt compelled to comment. These people spouting their views and throwing verses around…someone else has already said it on here, but unless God literally says to you “Inked tattoos are not welcome in Heaven,” how in the hell are you to know what is right or what is wrong. If you judge it as being right, or wrong, either way you’re still interpreting it. We are all fallible and none of our interpretations are entirely accurate. And I’m not bashing the Bible but it itself is a MAN made book. EVERY man except Jesus is fallible…so you’re fallible opinion is based off of another fallible verse. I think the main thing here is simply to love and develop a relationship with God, and treat others with respect and dignity. Why would the Lord create us, create alllll of this, for us to be running around on this planet like ants worrying about whether we’re allowed to eat a piece of bacon or get some ink done. I belive God simply wants us to love him, enjoy our lives in a decent and moderate fashion, and be happy. If God can forgive a murderer, I’m sure He’ll spare that butterfly tattoo you got on spring break. I think the Lord genuinly wants to be with us, and I think when the time comes, no matter all the earthly sins (including the deadly ones) if you truly want to be forgiven and in your heart want to be with him…well then you’ll be just fine. Through all the BS of laws about this and that I think people tend to forget that God can look in your heart, and has the ability to see the good through all the bad.

Hi Tanner!
May God Bless you.on the issue of tatoo, i’m still considering it carefully, but pls i would just like to respond to some of the things you said: first is that the bible is not fallible, every word in it is purely based on the inspiration of God but i do believe our various interpretation of it could sometimes be fallible.
secondly on the issue of God looks to the heart, we ought to be careful, it is quite easy for people to justify their wicked works with the excuse of ” Oh God knows my heart”. it’s quite interesting that in the message of Jesus to the seven churches in revelations 2 and 3. he says i know your works ( works here implies “deeds”). the scripture didn’t say i know your heart. the scripture clearly says out of a good heart comes good deeds and out of a wicked heart wicked deeds. furthermore remember the bible says in Revelations 22:12, that we would be judged based on our deeds. so christians cannot on the basis of “oh God knows my heart” perpetually indulge in sin. thanks and God bless you.

As I Christian I wanted tattoos as well but then The Lord checked me real quick. God told me, it’s not just a Old Testament thing it’s a spiritual thing. We can’t compare tattoos to cutting your beard, clipping nails and women piercing their ears. Lets not make excuses for our own personal desires. Tattoos are wrong period. If you like art then buy it (hang it on your wall). You don’t have to mark yourself to express the art you like. I read this breakdown as to why tattoos are ok and all I kept seeing was “self”.. The bible also says ” it’s better to tie your neck with a stone then to cause these little ones to fall”.. Be careful that you don’t use desire verses holiness to make a point. You’re sending out the wrong message. Now I love tattoos but my life is a sacrifice unto The Lord. I wanted to have premarital sex but my life is a sacrifice unto The Lord. I wanted to keep smoking weed but my life is a sacrifice unto The Lord. I wanted to steal when I was broke but my life is a sacrifice unto The Lord. I wanted my name tattood on my arms in Chinese but my life is a sacrifice unto The Lord!!!! Again, don’t use personal desire and forfeit holiness just to prove a point…. Stay bless guys.. Love you,

I think it is wonderful how someone has actually taken SOME of these verses of Leviticus in context to explain why they are not blanket prohibitions against certain actions. You know what else falls into that category? Homosexual acts. It was another pagan practice to involve sex in certain religious rituals and since women weren’t allowed in the temples, there were temple boys that served that purpose. All the hatred you have for gays is the same type you should have for people that eat at Red Lobster.

The author is self rationalizing. Picking and choosing what he or she wants to believe. The same is done for Homosexuality, women serving as priests, sex before marriage, adultery, or anything else the self rationalizer decides to reinterpret. The Bibles position on Tattoos, as well as the other issues I mentioned – is crystal clear. Five paragraphs of self rationalizing reinterpretation does not change it. Your body is a temple. You Vandalize it like a freeway underpass then explain why it’s ok.

I lean to the other end of the discussion. It seems to me that people are constantly trying to find ways to JUSTIFY behavior that is self centered and focused on what THEY want. To me that work is centered in things WE want and not what GOD wants for us. The cost, time spent focused and lifelong repercussions of tattoos seem not wise and imagine what a kid in a third world country wouldnt do to have $150 worth of food verses ink submerged in skin? There is also an ethnic variable… people with very dark skin rarely have the ability to have tattoos with any impact because they dont show up. I would advocate for people foregoing tattoos as a form of self expression as it seems fruitless. So many other ways to bring people to the lord and build up community than focusing on yourself and what you want.

What a nice clarifying article thank you for providing this informatiom. After days of praying reading researching pictures and sketching I finalized a meaningfull pieced of art the tributes and honors God. One day I hope to get it inked to cover old scars from a life of ignorance.

I am 18 years old and a Christian. I am thinking about getting a small tat on my wrist. Now, through out my research to make sure I don’t do anything that God looks down apon (sin) before I get it, I have found out that getting a tattoo is not a sin if it is not a sin for you. It all depends on the purpose of it. I want to get mine to remind myself that God changed me, He stripped my evil ways out of me. I want to be reminded of that every time I feel tempted to fall. Since, the Bible says nothing about tattoo and how it’s bad now a days, I honestly don’t think it is bad. I read in an article, maybe the question isn’t, “Is getting a tattoo a sin?” maybe it’s more along the lines of, “Is ME getting a tattoo a sin?” The Bible says that we are the temple of God, and to glorify Him in it. Now, reading in the context, that is going toward sexual sin. I read another saying that we shouldn’t destroy the temple, but I am fully convinced that no one would destroy a church building in the name of God. Look at why you are doing it. Are you obeying your parents, doing it in a rebellious way? Think about it before you get one.

A few questions to the pro-tattoo Christians….Are the tattoos bringing attention to Jesus or to yourself as the Pharisees and Sadducees did with their righteous zealotry? Is the tattoo an outward symbol? Does your heart have Jesus “tattooed” on it or only on your skin? I guess my main question is, “Is it all about you and what you want?” Could the money be used to pay for the tattoo (and possible other medical expenses) be used to invest in eternity to bring God’s message to others or just for yourself? Luke 12:1 At that time, when thousands of the people had come together, in such numbers that they were crushing one another, he said first to his disciples, Have nothing to do with the leaven of the Pharisees, which is deceit. Just my thoughts!

I like your thoughs. Your outward expressions should reflect your inner self. Let’s all be genuine in our walk. I am sure that I have been saved. That’s why I have an Orthodox Cross. One of the most persecuted denominations in the world expressing my admiration for martyrdom. it really shows true faith. I do not agree with it’s theology, but I try to be open to people of all denominations showing my love for all people. My other is the Chi Rho used by the early church which says that Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega (the first and the last) altogether the one true god. Notice how both of these are Christian symbols, I believe that Christian’s should get only Christian tattoos because as life goes on your interests change, but Christ will always be in your life, so be conservative in your choice of tattoos. I do recommend that christians not to get tattoos of with pagan or occult origins, so do your research. the “peace” sigh has occult origins, so please don’t get it as a tattoo. Santa Clause has occult origins, just giving some pointers. Christmas itself is a pagan holiday December 25th is the birthday of Tammuz from the polytheistic Babylonian ritualism found in the OT. Christ’s real birthday is anytime between mid-September to mid-October.

I found this blog online while trying to see what others thought’s on tattoos were. My boyfriend and I have been looking for a non-denominational, non-traditional, lead by the spirit kind of church. In doing so we found a little AG church a decent distance from our houses. Almost immediately after entering the church I knew something about it didn’t sit right in my spirit. Somehow I made it through the service, and even went back to the pastor’s house with some of the church members for Pizza and fellowship were a pervious series he taught on tattoos came up. The pastor himself is very learned, the only problem was that he was so concerned about pleasing everyone in the congregation and not offending anyone that he wasn’t really preaching God’s word. It’s not necessarily about what “you” as a person believes, although I do believe that we all have different relationships with God, Its about what you know is right and whether you choose to believe it. God clearly says in Leviticus 19:28 – “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” If you’re unsure of something, read your bible and find scripture to back it up.. You’re the one who’s going to have to answer to God on judgment day for your actions and beliefs.

I think the best way to evaluate whether you should get a tattoo or not is; does it glorify god. The next one is will you want this the rest of your life. I married a man with tattoos and he hated them and spend a fortune and a lot of pain trying to get rid of them. I was his wife and I didn’t like the tattoos at all. The choice he made at 16–18 was not the choice of Tattoo he would have made at 30. The tastes you have at any age in life changes, hair styles, clothes, furniture, cars, music. Just think about having to have the same hair style or clothes the rest of your life. Some people do and they don’t look very tasteful.

I am 36 and have wanted and been considering a tattoo for at least the last 10 years but wasn’t sure what I’d want permanently inked on me! As I have grown stronger in my Christian walk, I’ve become bolder in my witness. People who know me well know who I am and whose I am but I thought a tattoo would serve a couple purposes: 1) a conversation starter for those who don’t know me and 2) a reminder that we are called to LOVE, not judge! So over the weekend I got a tattoo just above my ankle. It’s a butterfuly with the words “faith, believe, hope, love”. It allows me to explain the beautiful transformation in my life that occurred upon my acceptance of Jesus as my Savior, just as a butterfly is transformed. Do I need a tattoo to show people I’m saved? No, my actions do that. But I am proud to belong to Him and want everyone to know, even the strangers I pass!

The Old Testament laws still apply to us. What was sinful then is sinful now. God said don’t get tattoos, therefore getting a tattoo is ignoring what God has to say. So, does the New Testament say anything about murder, homosexuality, or using God’s name in vain? If it does, I haven’t seen it. But those things are still sinful.

In short, you have exceedingly misled Christians and need to repent of preaching a false gospel.

You entirely miss the mark of what the whole of Christian Scripture teaches regarding our bodies. You make not a single reference to Paul writing to the Corinthians in 1 Cor. 6:19: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;”

Again, though, you are correct that we can’t just willy-nilly point to a single Scripture and say “Well, that’s what the Bible seyz!” Otherwise, we need to start stating God is a Cosmic Chicken as Psalm 91:4 reads “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; …”

The entirety of Scripture is clear that we are made in His image. Marking up His image that we are made in is blatantly stating we are displeased with His image that He has made us in. It is taking the Lord Himself in vain, let alone His name.

You state “believers are not bound by the Old Testament laws”. Well, if we are not, then that means we can kill, covet, lie, steal, dishonor our Father and Mother, and take the Lord’s name in vain any time we darned well please.

In this, you are mightily wrong. For, yes, in fact, we are “bound” eternally by God’s laws, for repeatedly God declares He will write His laws on our hearts. God’s laws are manifest into physical laws that we can best understand them due to the fact that we live in a world where sin is present until His coming. Without those physical laws to help us in our physical sin existence, murder and sodomy would be rampant (sadly, our Country is fast heading that way).
_____________
Life is Precious.
CarryTheTruth

Very good points from all of you. Now, have any of you considered locking yourself away from the world for one hour, un-interrupted by anyone and or anything, and devoted that one hour to asking God his opinion about the subject matter? Just a thought! 🙂 Good day to all!

The problem I have with Christians these days is that we live so close to the world(cosmos) that we can’t even tell if a person is a Christian or not. We have blended in with the world’s values and cultures. We try to do our best to justify our behavior practices either by taking the word of God out of context to fit your own interpretation or just completely ignoring it all together. The Apostle Paul said “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Well, Some say we live in the world. Perhaps, there is a difference between being in the world and being of the world? By this I mean that to be in the world is perhaps to go to the alleys were drugs are sold, and into the streets near the bars, and to the doors of the brothels; but it is not to participate in the drugs, or the drinks, or the activities of the brothels. Neither is it to be negatively influenced by those who do partake of these activities.

Tattoos is a worldly thing being practiced by worldly people and yes it has it roots in paganism despite of the fact that the Book of Levitus is an old testament book. The principle of God’s word never changes and it applies throughout any time of human history. God’s word are full of principles and that’s one thing that people fails to see at time. We think because it doesn’t say so specifically than it must be okay.

What means this command: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (2 Corinthians 6:17)?

Before we begin, understand that I am chief among sinners. Were it not for the grace of God my sins would surpass that of most every man alive. I love people, but I hate with all my heart the evil that creeps into the lives of men, women, and children for it consumes vitality, sucks up joy, butchers innocents, and causes mankind to defy holiness.

Christian interpretation of the preceding scripture seems somewhat confused. Now we walk not by the law of the flesh, but rather by the law of liberty. When reading this, remember that Satan is the author of confusion. Take care of what your head rejects, and think rather with the heart of the Spirit.

Christians must always walk in love: This is the first and last commandment. We must walk in a love that is first for God, and that is followed and merged with a love that encompasses all other human beings.

But, in what measure does love demand that we accept error against the holiness of God?

I spoke not of personal wrongs that may be committed against us by the world. That is a different point of mercy, love, and forgiveness. It is not the overriding point of this discussion. So lay aside thoughts of Christian response to personal grievances. Think instead upon personal sanctification and God’s holiness.

Now understand that there is a difference between being in the world and being of the world? By this I mean that to be in the world is perhaps to go to the alleys were drugs are sold, and into the streets near the bars, and to the doors of the brothels and even tattoos stores; but it is not to participate in the drugs, or the drinks, or the activities of the brothels or getting tattoos. Neither is it to be negatively influenced by those who do partake of these activities.

Jesus prayed in this manner: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world,” (John 17:14-16).

If you can imagine Jesus attending a Roman gladiator event, sitting still in the bleachers and watching as men are forced to slay one another for the pleasure of yet others, and taking joy himself from the event then you will not understand the meaning of this scripture. Indeed, you will reject this scripture as not at all fitting to the implication of this paragraph.

The other day, we rented a PG-13 movie. It began early on with the use of what many would term “weak” foul language. We wanted to watch the movie; we had rented it for that purpose. But the foul language continued. We shut it off, took it out of our DVD player, and returned to the store unviewed. We did not condemn the storeowners. We did not create an issue. In fact, we made no comments at all. If, however, had someone asked what we thought of the movie we would have answered truthfully.

Is there some reason that we should have watched that entire movie in spite of the knowledge that such language and disrespect for others undermines the purpose and holiness of our Lord. Is it possible that watching that movie would make us a better witness to a loss and dying world? Does the world, aside from those who read this article, even know that we choose to separate ourselves from words that should not be permitted into a Christian mind?

Jesus continued his prayer in this manner: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth,” (John 17:17-19).

Now what means this call to sanctification? What means sanctification? Jesus took meals with the publicans. Yea he visited and witnesses to the harlots. But think not that he sat beneath their influence. Nay, rather it was they that sat beneath his teachings. Though be brought not bold accusations against the woman at the well of Jacob, remember that he did confront her errors: her errors in worship and her errors in life.

I do not bring this message as a point of argument, nor as a matter of condemnation. Each Christian must work out their own salvation. But remember that this personal examination and adjustment is done with fear and trembling. Let us not risk offending the Almighty God of Creation.

We eat at the same restaurants, as do most other people. We visit the same malls. We shop at the same grocery stores. We play sports, and we watch movies, and we enter into the same schools. But if, during the course of a ball game, we stand and laugh at foul jokes so that we may be counted a part of those players, think not that this strengthens our witness for Christ. Nay, but the contrary is in effect. Our witness for Christ is destroyed.

Concerning secular TV, each Christian must come to spiritual answers. Try for but one month to refuse to watch any movie that even once takes the name of our Lord God in vain, whether as against the Son or against the Father, or against the Spirit. Refuse also to watch those movies that promote promiscuity, fortification, sorcery, or other forms of lewdness. Your viewing pleasure will be reduced to near nothing from the secular world.

Now as human beings, we are sometimes weak. We do view and we do participate in those matters that are not meat to a mature Christian. Know that there is a difference between weakness and lifestyle, falling and habit, sin and wickedness. Set for yourself a high standard, least through slips and falls you end up with no standard.

Perhaps you say I am setting too ridged a yardstick, to legalistic a viewpoint. What then is your limit? If we declare that love demands us to permit rampant homosexuality to enter into our mind, does it not also demand that we must receive gossip, murder, rape, revenge, hate, bigotry, and child molestation as equally acceptable behavior? What we put into our mind will determine who we are and how we behave. At what line will we choose to confront evil?

Stay in the world. Work with the loss and undone. Forgive. Be kind. Think not more highly of yourself than what is so before God, but also know who you are before God. Acknowledge sin as sin, whether it is in the live of another or in your own life. Deal with it appropriately. And be not ashamed to reject that which destroys the souls of mankind.

Fifty years ago, men of themselves even without Hollywood’s fear of censorship would have refused to participate in certain onscreen activities and behaviors. But evil is not a cautious thing. The more it is ignored, the greater will grown its worldwide influence.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” (Romans 12:1-2)

Again, I will not blend myself into the ways of the world. The world has their customs, their values, their way of life. So does the church(True church of God) But God is not coming back for a church that is compromising with the world’s value and it system. He will have a spotless,one that is without blemish Church which he calls his Bride. Call it what you want but Christians should not embrace the value of the darkness. We have totally walked away from the principle of christian living and its values. The world can’t know who we are if we walk, look, and act like them. So sad in this day and age!ns 12:1-2).

Thank you for this biblical insight. I, for one, recently let my almost-18 yr old get a tattoo. Never thought I would be saying that. And as a matter of fact, I was so influenced by her reason for doing so, that I told her I would get the same one with her. She is a Christian who trusts God deeply, but has been through many losses of friends, and family, this past year, one friend to suicide. Her faith has been put to the test in many ways. She talked to me about wanting to get a simple line drawing of the Christian fish symbol tattooed on the top of her foot near her ankle to constantly remind her to walk with God through Christ. We had numerous conversations about it, then decided to do it together. Not only does it remind us both to walk with God, through Christ our Lord, but it reminds us of this time in our lives and that we can remain faithful to Him even in deep struggles. I have also had many opportunities to share with people who notice it what it is and why I have it. I do not bring attention to it myself, as I know fellow Christians who do not believe it is something that a Christian should do – this includes a few of my family members. I prayed concerning this decision before I made the decision, and I pray that God would continue to use it only for His purpose and His glory.

You do realize that Christmas and Easter is also pagan but Christians celebrate it. So how is it that its ok for Christians to celebrate Christmas and Easter when it is a pagan ritual. Please do not speak against something that you are doing to yourselves, its contradicting and the body of Christ only likes to condemn what they don’t understand. Dont take scriptures out of context to suit your belief. If you follow the law, follow all and don’t break it because once you break one, you break them all.

For everyone that says they believe in Jesus Christ just remember his word is for the past, present and future. My point is that if In old testament says tattoos are a sin then it’s a sin no matter what you think. Remember our thoughts don’t compare to God toughts. Bekah keep your head up god will bless you.

Thank you, this was very helpful for me. At the moment, I’m not of age to get a tattoo legally, but my friend and I plan to when we’re old enough. I believe that the tattoos we’ll get will bring glory to God. My friend plans to get small little animals and flowers to represent the people she loved that has passed. I plan to do the same, but as I have not had anyone special to me pass, it will simply be the people that I love (a unicorn representing my mother, panther representing my brother, a dragon representing the man I love, ect.)

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